COLUMN: March sadness

OFF THE MARK COLUMN
By: 
Mark Spensley
Express Co-Publisher

     For the first time in what I assume is a long time, Iowa’s four Division-1 basketball teams will be sitting at home this month as college post season basketball gets underway.

     The Hawkeyes finished at 14-19, Iowa State had a record of 13-18, UNI finished at .500 with a 16-16 record. Drake also was 16-16 and did get invited to the Collegeinsider.com tournament that has been around since 2009.

     On the women’s side it looks like a good bet that the Hawkeye ladies will get to play in the NCAA tournament. Those picks will be later tonight, after my column is published.

     Blackhawks. In about three weeks I will be venturing to Chicago to catch a Blackhawk game. The last few seasons Blackhawk fans have been spoiled with some darn good teams. This year my favorite Hockey team sits in last place with a 30-32 record.

     I’m sure seeing the Blackhawks play will still be a fun adventure, win or lose.

     Spring training.  The Cubs will kick off the 2018 season on March 29 against the Miami Marlins. Tickets are still available. But the game is in Miami. Road trip?

     The Cubs’ home opener will be April 9 against the Pirates. I predict the Cubs will go 162-0. Hey, a guy can dream.

     At least by then maybe the snow will be done falling and all melted away!

     NCAA wrestling. This week the NCAA wrestling championships get under way in Cleveland, Ohio. Ohio State is favored to win it all and it will be like a home tournament for the Buckeyes.

     Their only challenge will come from the Penn State Nittany Lions. I hope the Hawkeye grapplers will be in the mix but I am not holding my breath. The days of Iowa and Oklahoma State being the big 2 have made their way out East.

     It should be an exciting tournament with some great wrestling at 125 and 165 just to name a couple weights off the top of my head. Also look for 157 and 285 to be two other highly contested weight divisions.

     March madness to me is collegiate wrestling, not putting that round ball through a round hoop!

 

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